Electric wheel brake unit composition including effective unit assembly process

Abstract

The present invention concerns product and assembly process for electric wheel brake unit composition (1), comprising at least an electric wheel brake actuator component (2), comprising a bracket component (3) that is allocated in intermediate, and comprising a brake support component (4) as carrier for all comprising two opposed surfaces (5,6). Object of the present invention: Functional improvement, stiff and load resistant design, modernized adaption, effective assembly, reliable and sustainable component design and new unit composition together with new rationalised assembly process with the components. Solution: New bracket component (3) comprising male interface means (12; 12.1, 12.2) that are received for prepositioning in cooperation with reception in the brake support component (4).

Description

[0001] Electric wheel brake unit composition including effective unit assembly process

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention concerns composition in electric friction brake assemblies of an automotive electric wheel brake unit type, especially in configuration as electric disk or drum brake, comprising at least an electric actuator component serving as servo electric motor drive, further comprising a bracket component serving as interface for interchangeable compatibility and last but not least comprising a brake support component that is serving as unit carrier of all components involved. More over this the present invention concerns rationalized effective assembly process strategy also with valuable impacts for space saving, condensed production line design concerning final assembly of the units.

[0004] Some electromechanical actuators are disclosed in documents WO 2017 / 097696 Al, WO 2007 / 089300 A2, WO 2005 / 070736 A2, and US 5310026 A. Prior art electric wheel brake units suffer from the drawback that electromechanical actuators, which are directly attached to brake backplates, require a specific design of the actuator housing to adapt to the overall shape and dimensions of the brake and, more in general, to the motor vehicle installation conditions. Consequently, even the configurations of the operating components of an electromechanical actuator may result unsuitable for a number of motor vehicles. Therefore, the use of standard electromechanical actuators is extremely limited, resulting in high costs of production, installation and maintenance of electric wheel brake unit arrangements.

[0005] Space saving combined electrically actuated duo-servo drum wheelbrake unit is known for example from EP 0 594233 B 1. The system comprises an electric power spindle wheel drive actuator for drumbrake lever actuation wherein the actuator integrates electric parking lock function, and wherein the electric actuator component is directly bolted to the brake support component. The electric actuator component actuates the drum brake lever of a secondary brake shoe insofar that the tensioning concerning both brake shoes is in the following performed as transmitted reaction process based on lever transmission including some subsequent lever that is linked with opposed primary brake shoe serving together with two struts that keep the both brake shoes in guaranteed distance so that all above levers + linkages participate in the subsequent flow of forces right into their pin abutment. The unit allows independent electrical wheelbrakes with utilisation of individual electrically driven duo servo type drum brakes without requirement nor share in mechanical parking cable linkage between multiple brakes mechanism between.

[0006] EP 2 670 997 Bl suggests a combined simplex drum brake unit comprising hybrid drive architecture insofar that service brake function is performed hydraulically and directly by hydraulic pistons of wheel brake cylinder which is mounted to a brake support backplate, and comprising electric parking brake function that is performed individually using electric wheel brake actuator of the cable puller type in linkage with brake pad lever that is driven by the electric cable pull actuator component. The actuator system is indirectly mounted over an adaptor to the brake support component (anchor or backplate of the drumbrake).

[0007] EP 3 755 590 Bl refers to electric parking brake actuator mounting assemblies allowing a standardardized electric actuator housing design in connection with standardized adaptor component and mounting process. The support interface (bracket / adaptor) component 3 is inserted between electrical actuator component 2 and brake support component 4 in a amounting movement direction Ml which is radially - say orthogonally directed - in relation to the wheel rotational axis / axial direction Ax. Adaptor component 3 is hooked-in under radial insertion and wherein the electric wheel brake actuator 2 component is interchangeably paired and locked via oblique-angled mounting movement M2 followed by a twist-lock- bajonett style rotational mounting movement M3 of the electric actuator component 2 in relation to the support bracket component 3 that is mounted to the brake support component 4. In the preferred embodiment the bracket 3 is with hook seat 14 for hook 13 interface. The production of the backplate 4 is regarded costly for reason of complexities with deepdrawn tube 17 section that is deformed crooked contact region, together with hooks 13 that must cooperate with hook seat 14 in the bracket component 3. As for the hooks, the hook seats or other sectors, especially of the support component, may suffer from unintentional drawback , that may specifically be their unintentional deformation or complex pairing process, a more robust composition and assembly process is requested.

[0008] Friction brake unit composition (components design, components production including the units assembly process) is requested to be more fail-safe / robust, flexible for adaption, cost sensitive and overall efficient. Essentially e.g. also for price reasons, efficiency reasons, excellence + quality reasons components are very often premanufactured in different distanced locations around the globe and may be virtually e.g. dummy-tested in such physical distance from their assigned neighbour component - which requires perfect process control. For more example a lightweight bracket component can preferably be made from plastic material by plastic specialists whereas the preferred brake support component can preferably be worked for high temperature resistance in the shape of a metal drumbrake backplate that may essentially be produced from deepdrawn steel sheet metal. Accordingly diverse components and technologies justify diverse supplychains within their special industries all under total-quality-goals with 100% checked and certified friction brake components so that only perfectly passed components leave their facilities for final assembly mounting processes. However workers error or missbehaviour exist or perfectly crafted components may be subject to unintentional damage for logistic reasons.

[0009] The present invention takes care for reduced complexity with handling of components involved and easier assembly, functional improvement with prepositioning and safety against unintentional misplacement / displacement. Specifically the present invention provides for robustness with reduced complexity concerning brake support components including their design, production, handling including shipping and assembly of composed units. Invention proves stiff and load resistant design, modernized adaption, more effective assembly together with reliable and sustainable component design under new unit composition together with new rationalised assembly process using improved interface + assembly means of components involved.

[0010] The present invention specifically suggests new interface means for improved cooperation between mated components and wherein those new interface means essentially and automatically cooperate and may hold together by axially directed translatoric mounting movement performed with at least one of the two components towards the other in M4 direction under plug + socket philosophy. Basically and further improving such plug+socket approach the invention may propose automatic positioning + referencing with straight forward mounting movement M 4 for cooperation and holding interaction between bracket component and brake support component, wherein the bracket component can comprise integrated male interface means that may act responsible as a guiding help and / or pairing reference in placements and positioning. Those means can allow improved component pairing + emplacement preferably with self adjusting and / or holding capabilities in cooperation e.g. between bracket component and brake support component so that a straight forward assembly process and space saving process line configuration is possible for final unit assembly and composition. In the preferred embodiment the paired components, especially their cooperating interface means, may be configured to hold each other at least preliminary in their prepositioning configuration so that they may be handled , safe against unintentional displacement.

[0011] The preferred embodiment may specifically comprise a platelike flat, tubeless, hookless planar support component 4 - for example in configuration of a backplate - that may also allow for improved implementation with interface + connection concerning the automobile axle flange.

[0012] One or more components, especially allocated in area of interface means, may additionally comprise or integrate holding means that may hold mated components together. In preferred embodiment such holding function may involve clamp means that cooperate so that components are at least temporarily / preliminary positioned and fixed together. Such preliminary holding or clamping means may consequently involve elastic means e.g. spring means that may, for condensed design reasons, be integrated in or nearby to interface means.

[0013] Consequently and for industrial logic reasons the present inventions allows for vast improvements with logistics, because price driven automotive customer require and need gain in efficiency with multipart electric brake components and especially with brake units including their assembly. That means essentially rationalized, simplified and consequently improved wheel brake unit systems with efficient electric actuator drive mounting capabilities that promote rationalized production and assembly, together with flexible supply chain change but also with good adaption under ongoing change with applications, conditions or requirements, so that ease in flexibility with simple and safe variation seems key in automotive industrial component engineering. The latter especially applies when for example some brake unit A (e.g. drum wheelbrake module) comprises a pairing of components Bl (e.g. electric actuator drive) and C (e.g. backplate with drum brake shoe assembly and linkage) which components are for example produced in distanced factories D and E and wherein customer wishes to change insofar that a new established brake unit F (new drum wheelbrake unit) shall comprise essentially unchanged component C from factory E but under replacement with new component B2 (e.g. new electric actuator drive) supplied by other distanced factory G. Consequently under change management aspects the logistics, components interfaces, their pairing and connection is regarded essential in the business of safety critical electric brake units.

[0014] In more detail the improved interface system is preferably provided with one or multiple counterpart interface means that may recommendably be integrated with form locking reception in male + female e.g. as one or multiple orifice(s) 7 configured as through hole(s) in or with the brake support component 4. Brake support component 4 may basically be designed in recommendable alternative as a preferably almost flat, sheet metal style, for example steel backplate with flat orifice(s) 7 as the female interface 11 that is suitable and determined for cooperation (reception) of one or multiple male bracket interface(s) 12 that is / are axially inserted or plugged into their mating, determined, receiving orifice 7 under the inventions straight forward assembly process. Consequently the preferred metal backplate geometry is significantly simplified - without the difficult to deep draw tube section 17 (especially regarded in compare with EP 3 755 590 Bl). Preferred embodiment is further reduced in complexity without bent hook 13. All in one the present invention eliminates risky production issues under valuable significant reduction of “non-planatary” quality complaints. By this way the applicable bracket interface design and assembly requirement is significantly simplified, for example by complete elimination of hooks 13 and hook seats 14 that require for radial (translational) mounting movement Ml.

[0015] For or profile of mating interface means can generally be defined in mirror symmetry. As an example a reception can be shaped as a circular through bore. In the easiest embodiment (rotational) twist lock may be received by a set of at least two or more distanced (but with parallel axis to each other arranged) mating interface means e.g. circular profiled pin protrusions (that are all parallel to each other) which all penetrate into their bores.

[0016] In other possible preferred (alternative) embodiment the form or profililing of cooperating interfaces may be without mirror symmetry so a single interface alone may provide for twist -lock (antirotational) formlocking cooperation - e.g. by way of form-matching of a non-cir- cular profiling - so that the interface means (and consequently the both components) are coupled and positioned with interaction + safety to each other comprising the twist- lock / antirotational locking capability (in the circular direction) so that components are by the way positioned and held preliminary in twist prevention relative to each other.

[0017] For the preferred automatized assembly process improved embodiment of interface means may integrate at least one or multiple guiding and mating aid for automatic self guidance during axially directed plug in process. For example the guidance / aid can be designed integrally comprised in a kind of funnel integration e.g. as tubelike or ductlike section (at least of parts) of bracket component. Cooperative guidance can take place with pairing, positioning and mounting steps between components. Guidance / aid feature can be configured as inclined and cooperative matching surfaces insofar that they may be arranged inclined (concerning Ax-axis) but generally arranged in parallel to each other so that one surface is guided by the other and vice versa.

[0018] Constructive cost reduction takes place with concentration when counterpart interface means are neither duplicated nor spread apart but kept in the focus (say concentrated) for example in single point allocation directly opposite on or in the first surface of the brake support component. Cost efficient variation option is achieved when the counterpart interface means is / are indirectly integrated in the brake support component. However standardization with gain in cost efficiency is promoted with when achieved with the direct integration option.

[0019] Bracket manufacturing process is simplified under preferred concentration insofar that the male interface means of bracket component forms part of its sectional surrounding with the actuator drive element. Surrounding is formed, e.g. at least in section, preferably ductlike or tubelike. Consequently effectivity is improved by better allignments in pairing and when reference + abutment are concentrated in neighbourhood within the region of abutment + force transfer.

[0020] Form locking cooperation between mating interface means is preferably 3-dimensional insofar that when interfaces are correctly assembled by pairing movement - right in direction along the axis of assembly - the resulting form locking effect is in other direction. Preferably a form locking effect takes place in orthogonal direction i.e. orthogonally conconceming the axis of assembly. Interface means may act in positioning reference function, i.e. with, preferably integrated, coded compliance means serving for automatic correct, fraud prevented, connection with mating / pairing or (re-)placement of components either during production or service. Total quality with correctly paired and assembled components is guaranteed irrespective of the precise stage in the wheel brake units product life cycle.

[0021] In the preferred embodiment a protrusion integrated in the first face side of the bracket component can carry the cooperative interface means, so that this feature may be also kept integrated and concentrated in place. In more preferred detail of such embodiment, the interfaced protrusion of the bracket component can be arranged upfront e.g. as part of a tip, which initially penetrates the orifice right from the beginning of pairing with the elected brake support component.

[0022] In further improved embodiments increase in stiffness under brake reaction force transfer is achieved by a bracket interface in shape of protrusion comprising preferably a graded tip which finds abutment on a frame surface of the first surface of brake support component that surrounds the orifice framelike and with countersunk reception of the tip section within the orifice. For more detailed example the orifice in the support component may be designed in window shape comprising a frame that is surrounding the orifice. Then the frame may serve for form locking reception and / or abutment of the tip section of the bracket component.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment the orifice is of arched window shape with a rounded arch. The brake support component can comprise first and second surfaces with the orifice essentially flat integrated from the first surface side so that orifice and surface curse to each other.

[0024] More over the above hardware proposal the invention also proposes a new wheel brake unit assembly process strategy wherein bracket component and support component are both prepositioned and preliminary held in place relative to each other by cooperating interference with their matching interface means when directly paired in the straight forward “plug-in” assembly direction. There the bracket component is understood to be equivalent with a plug that is pluged straight forward into its socket (that is the brake unit support component in equivalence). Finally and following such plug-in process step the final tightening assembly step is performed using detachable fixing means alike e.g. screw, a rivet, a bolt or the like element.

[0025] Details with preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the drawing together with the following description of the drawing. The drawings show and disclose among others, partly in rough example, preferred embodiments which still may find their variation with gradually other alternative reduction to practice:

[0026] Fig.: 1 for general explanation purpose the prior art assembly technology according to EP 3 755 590 Bl comprising hook 13 interface + hook seat (slot) 14, further the pin 15 lock 16 and nonplanar load abutment in shape of bush area protrusion 17 that projects from the first surface 5 of brake support component (backplate) 4 towards bracket component 3 and electric actuator component 2, in perspective almost natural scale,

[0027] Fig.: 2 improved and rationalized support component 4 comprising new female interface means 11 following the present inventions first preferred embodiment, comprising essentially planar backplate interface section (hookless, eliminated tube 17 protrusion) comprising orifice 7 for the axial straight forward plug-in assembly in translational mounting movement M4, drawn in almost natural scale perspective,

[0028] Fig. 3: preferable improved and rationalized bracket component 3 option with tube section 9 comprising tip with male interface means 12.1; 12.2 that are received in female counterparts, according to the present inventions first preferred embodiment, drawn in almost natural scale perspective,

[0029] Fig. 4: simplified explosion overview with components 3,4 in section of symbolized transfer line TL on a movable work piece carrier WPC in preferred embodiment + mounting process visualization in axial mounting movement strategy M4.1, M4.2 with the mating components 3,4 in threedimensional working zone WZ with indicated straight forward (plug-in) prepositioning step of male interface means 12.1, 12.2 in parallel with axial axis Ax direction,

[0030] Fig. 5 + 6: preferred embodiment in simplified visualization for assembly steps in transfer line process in applicable working zone WZ in connection with successful repositioning step under Fig. 4, wherein Fig. 5 indicates mating of preferred embodiments prior to prepositioning between bracket component 3 and support component 4, ready to go for axially directed plug in movement of the interfaces, and Fig. 6 indicates reception with interface cooperation within orifice 7 in the support component 4, and preferred fixing between backet component 3 and support component using screws as the detachable mounting / fixing element,

[0031] Fig. 7 - 9: preferred embodiments simplified visualizations of functional details with purpose for explanation with abutment and force transfer function concerning flow of forces / re- action forces under exchange between electric actuator component 2, bracket component 3 with tube section 9 and essentially flat, hookless, tubeless, supportive backplate component 4.

[0032] Details of most preferred embodiment of this invention are shown in the drawing, further disclosed by the specification or claims. Also a variety of other variation appear possible or applicable, might they be either suggested thereunder, or might they be understood by those skilled in the art in connection with such change without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the applicable patent claims.

[0033] A known standard interface + mounting strategy concerning prior art document EP 3 755 590 Bl is understood as follows in connection with mounting movements symbolized by arrows Ml, M2 and M3 as under Fig. 1. There the Ml direction is considered to be in parallel with the radial direction R. The known system concerns the wheel brake unit composition 1 in configuration of a drum brake system comprising the electric actuator component 2 that is preferably surrounded by plastic housing, comprising the intermediate bracket component

[0034] 3 that is preferably made from plastic material and comprising the brake support component

[0035] 4 in shape of a backplate comprising two opposed faces 5,6 with cut out through orifice 7 and preferably made from sheet metal and most preferably made from steel sheet metal. A plastic support interface (bracket / adaptor) component 3 is inserted between electrical actuator component 2 and brake support component 4 in a translational mounting movement direction Ml that is arranged in radial (orthogonally directed in relation to the wheel rotational axis / axial direction Ax). Adaptor component 3 is hooked-in starting with radial directed insertion movement M 1. For interface reasons the support component 4 is provided with protrusion - bush 10 and several special cut outs provides as deformed hooks 13 which are guided and seated in slotted hook seats 14 of the bracket component 3 that is then bolted to the brake support backplate component 4 using several screws . Afterwards inclined mounting movement M2 with push in of the electric actuator component 2. The electric wheel brake actuator 2 component is then interchangeably paired and locked via oblique-angled translational push-in-mounting movement M2 so that the actuator drive element 8 penetrates through bracket tube section 9. Then a twist-lock-bajonett style rotational mounting movement M3 of the electric actuator component 2 is performed in relation to the support bracket component 3. The latter may involve a pin 15 - lock 16 system. Finally the actuator component 2 may be bolted to the bracket component 3 e.g. using one or multiple screws. The conventional design and process is linked with drawbacks. The production of interfaces of conventional backplate component 4 is considered complex for reason of possible irregularities with unintentionally deformed hooks or deepdrawn bush 17 section. Possible errors are often linked with interface errors for example concerning crooked abutment 10 section as well as for reason of unintentionally deformed hooks 13 that may be damaged for shipping damage reasons so that such unintentionally deformed hook 13 may fail instead of its correct cooperation function with alignment in hook seats 14 within the plastic brake support component 4.

[0036] Above conventional interface design and assembly process transfer line TL is further not only space consuming for reason of so multiple diverse directions of motions Ml, M2, M3 but does further not supply protection against unintentional loss during assembly process / no protection against unintentional displacement during assembly process (e.g. concerning unintentional decomposition movement in reverse to the M 1- direction). Besides unprotected or rough shipping of components can result in transport damage such as unintentionally deformed support components / unintentionally deformed hooks which may finally result in pairing and composition errors so that a more robust and less space consuming solution concerning interfaces, component design and assembly is needed.

[0037] Details and aspects of embodiments with the present inventions changed design + assembly process strategy are shown and explained under Fig. 2 -9. There the similar or same features as marked with same or similar reference numbers and the following description of drawing concentrates for inventions differences, whereas the rest e.g. for example the material selection, composition or other general features may still apply even if not explicitly mentioned in the following description.

[0038] Essentially the present inventions efficient component cooperation + interface design between bracket component 3 and brake support component 4 follows the inventions harmonized completely axially directed plug+socket installation scheme that follows the inventions straight forward parallel plug+ socket mounting movement M4; M4.1, M4.2 which is arranged essentially in parallel with the axial direction Ax (= wheel rotation axis) that means in terms of a mounting process / transfer line TL essentially arranged in parallel with axis of gravity g so that not only automatic form locking in the cooperation of mating interfaces takes place, but also some natural bracket component weight can support in prevention against unintentional deplacement / prepositioning during assembly process.

[0039] As shown in the drawings the bracket component 3 comprises male interface means 12; 12.1,12.2 in the shape of protrusion that is received with axial straight-forward plug-in movement cooperation M4; M4.1, M4.2 in the brake support component 4, or vice versa so that a prepositioning concerning components under form locking interconnection can be achieved. A male protrusion of the bracket component 3 can carry male interface means 12. The present invention consequently provides not only for prepositioned and interconnected placement after pairing but also improved security in connection to each other with keeping the correct positioning together with automatical locking effect with the cooperating means, e.g. cooperating interface means so that the invention interface proposal allows for robust and effective pairing concerning components together with the additive safety bonus concerning protection against decomposition, unintentional removal or displacement. In the most recommended preferred production system and assembly transfer line process the axial direction Ax is allocated in parallel with the effects concerning force of gravity g so that not only the form locking cooperation between paired interfaces holds and protects prepositioning but also the natural weightforce of components can participate and contribute with effective, additive and free of charge bonus for appreciated defense against unintentional displacement between components. Consequently the proposed process and design is designed automatically robust sui generis (positive shock proof capabilities). As free of charge bonus effect the invention can include emplacement and preliminary holding function - for example with help of natural weight / gravity effects of the paired components. The latter may especially help in industrial mass production processes when a unit is to be preassembled either in connection with a transfer line TL when held on a conveyable work piece carrier or alternatively when placed on a stationary work table. Preliminary holding function can be integrated with interface means or go with other alternatives that may comprise extra holding means. Integrated or alternative (preliminary) holding function may for example be achieved by the use of press fit means that can cooperate and lock together in process of mating / pairing between components. Holding function can start with interconnection as well as with initial straight-forward plug-in mounting movement (M4, M4.1, M4.2).

[0040] Alternatively or additionally the holding means can involve clamp means that may for example be configured as snap-lock means. More over this holding means may be combined in any alternative or selection possible e.g. resulting in a combination of components natural weight with gravity effect together with form locking reception and / or interconnection. Said in other words the present invention allows and also prefers a selective combination of multiple holding means for their cooperation for improved automated safety against unintentional displacements.

[0041] In the preferred adaption for more improved + efficient combination of features and functions - especiall without need for additive separate part (logistic advantage) the involved components 2,3,4 can integrate the mentioned holding means. More specifically the components 2,3,4 interface means 11,12; 12.1,12.2 can integrate the holding means so that the interface function is then combined with the holding function.

[0042] In still further preferred adaption any holding means can comprise elastically deformable spring means that is preferably produced with elastic deformation of plastic component and / or produced with elastomere material that may be integrated either in the actuator component 2 and / or integrated in the bracket component 3 or further alternatively may be integrated in both components 2,3. The latter may be constructed insofar that different means cooperate in interaction. Basically each brake support component 4 is preferably constructed in brake carrier function (non rotating = static) for the basis of the wheel brake unit composition 1 comprising a wheel brake actuator component 2 that may essentially be situated in front of a first surface 5 and with friction brake pads for friction brake cooperation with a wheel brake rotor that are essentially situated in front of a second surface 6 with through hole orifice 7 allowing electrical actuation through the support component 4 and wherein the brake support component 4 allows the wheel brake units assembly with vehicular axle components. With this system integration the brake support component 4 has its preferred in the embodiment an orifice 7 with passage of an electric actuator drive element 8, the said electric actuator drive element 8 is at least sectionally surrounded by the bracket component 3, that sectional surrounding is preferably arranged in male protrusion formed as tube-section 9 of the bracket component 3, wherein the bracket component 3 is placed intermediate between brake actuator component 2 and the brake support component 4, wherein the sectional surrounding, preferably the male tube-section 9, is centered and received for its centralized bearing with abutment in axial Ax direction, Radial R direction and Tangential T direction under actuator flow of force FMGU, and / or flow of reaction force FR respectively, in the orifice 7 essentially on the first surface 5 of the brake support component 4.

[0043] In the preferred brake support component 4 the preferred counterpart interface means 11 is designed essentially flat - that means inline with the major niveau of the opposed faces 5,6 and also preferably as a female reception. In the embodiment the latter is shown in the shape of a through hole orifice 7. Such is recommended aa plain and axially directed throughole orifice 7 with window shape, that can completely be integrated preferably cut out of the brake support component 4 (sheet metal (pref, sheet steel) plate material).

[0044] In the preferred embodiment the interface function between the bracket components 3 male interface means 12; 12.1, 12.2 that is received or captioned in its counterpart female interface means 11; 11.1,11.2 includes their torsionally resistant antirotational coupling. A press fit between the male and female interface means can provide their torsion resistant lock cooperation. That applies in the simplest form when the cooperating form is circular shape. Another proposal is insofar that the torsionally resistive coupling interface is integrated in the coupled shape so that the coupled shape is recommended to be not in circular. Consequently a wide variety of matching torsion resistant profiles is possible which may for example be designed rectangual or else so that the paired profiling generates the antirotational effect.

[0045] In further preferred embodiment concerning components 2,3,4 guidance means can be implemented. Preferably such guidance means can be located in distance and / or placed in neighbourhood or close integration with locations / placements in the interface means 11,12 so that involved guidance means cam serve as a mating aid for automatic assistance with pairing and assembly, and wherein guidance means essentially can comprise one or multiple surfaces that are arranged inclined in specific angle a (regarded in relation to Radial R, and / or Tangential T and / or Axial Ax direction) concerning the axial straight-forward plugin mounting direction.

[0046] In alternative modification any female counterpart interface means 11 can directly or indirectly be integrated at or in the brake support component 4. The latter is proposed for example by the integration of counterpart interface means 11 in extra separate component that can be fix in abutment / placement within the brake support component 4.

[0047] In further variation said male interface means 12 can participate as, at least sectional, shield / coat concerning an actuator drive element 8 of the electric actuator component 2. As the actuator drive element 8 reaches through the tube style section 9 of the bracket component and through the orifice 7 it receives the shield function generated by the tube style section 9 so that for example protection against foreign material e.g. hit of stone / damage on rough gravel road is prevented . Shield embodiment concerning the tube style section 9 can for example comprise configuration as a bracket component protrusion that is “nose-shaped” and brings advantages because of its protection function.

[0048] If regarded necessary multiple distanced interface means 11,12; 12.1,12.2 are possible. These are arranged for cooperation in a coordinated harmonized direction so that they apply and work uniformly in plug in mounting direction M 4; M4.1, M4.2, say preferably in parallel with axial Axis Ax, so that when all multiple distanced interface means mate and cooperate between all components 2,3,4 with strengthened effect concerning form locking between components (3,4) in relation to the Radial direction R, Tangential direction T which are orthogonal concerning the plug in mounting direction M4 / that is preferably in parallel with axial Axis Ax.

[0049] Interface means can imply hardware codification for acceptable and compliant hardware handshake in cooperation between all applicable / compatible components 2,3,4, wherein such code means can preferably perform with integration in components 2,3,4 e.g. in their interface means 11,12. The said code allows automatic hardware error protection in connection with identification concerning false pairing or wrong assembly so that fraud or failures with incompatibility is automatically prevented by the code. With still another alternative concerning the suggested code means involved with their hardware integration, or in supplementary with such, digital and or electronic surveillance means appear recommendable and possible for integration in the assembly process / production system for the in-situ-monitoring of the quality with assembly process. Such surveillance system can involve picture and / or camera systems with or without digital picture processing. The latter can especially include artificial intelligence (Al) systems which is recommendable to be implemented in software under automated digitalized process quality and product quality control.

[0050] Any protrusion of bracket component 3 may comprise a tip section with special profiling which may simplify the finding and streamline penetration process in direction M 4 through the orifice 7 in the brake support component 4. Consequently the tip section may be configured as a graded tip wherein the first surface 5 of brake support component 4 comprises the orifice, that can preferably be configured as a graded and / or framed orifice, for reception of a graded tip protusion. A front of graded tip can penetrate through the orifice 7. The tip may end stepped back or may reach complete or partly a niveau of the second surface 6 of the brake support component 4.

[0051] Orifice 7 may comprise a window shape that can more specifically be of any window shape but preferably can be configured in arched window shape, wherein in still more detail the roman arched window shape is more preferred than the also possible gothic arched window shape but with still more detailed preference for the roman arched window shape that may comprise an arc bow section that can integrate a circular arc segment with a single predefined circular radius and wherein the arch connects the two opposed parallel window silts. A brake support component 4 can essentially comprise a thin sliced body that may be cut out from flat steel metal sheet material so that major regions around first and second surfaces and / or around the orifice have the same level that is just and flat so that orifice 7 may generally be two-dimensional insofar that surfaces 5,6 essentially curse but are still with essentially identical level to each other (“zueinander fluchten”).

[0052] The components, interfaces ore else parts of the electric wheel brake unit composition 1 can comprise one or more sealing means in direct or indirect pairing, neighbourhood of, or in direct or indirect cooperation with, interfaces and / or the orifice 7. Such sealing means can essentially serve for protection against unwanted ingress of foreign matter e.g. for moisture ingress protection and / or for dirt ingress protection e.g. for sealing an interior of the electric actuator component 2, but also for sealing of the drum brake interior which is allocated next to the second surface 6 of brake support component 4.

[0053] Industrial transfer line “TL” assembly process can comprise multiple process steps for assembly of electric wheel brake unit 1 composition. A bracket component 3 may be joint with a wheel brake support component 4 and vice versa using a stepwise industrial production transfer line TL comprising a work piece carrier WPC for carrying the work piece in directed one-way transfer with a transfer drive comprising a chain of multiple rotating rollers r in chain that convey a work piece carrier WPC stepwise from assembly station to following assembly station for performing different assembly steps within a three-dimensional working zone WZ wherein the support component 4 is held with its axial axis Ax parallel with gravity g, its second surface 6 downwards in direction of gravity g on a work piece carrier WPC so that its first surface 5 is arranged upwards, feeding the bracket component 3 with translational mounting movement Ml in parallel with the axial Axis Ax and following gravity g in the working zone WZ towards the brake support component 4, wherein both components 3,4 comprise interface means 11,12 as for reference and coordinated matching with joint cooperation together thereby providing a prepositioning step between the both mated components 3,4 within the working zone WZ so that these components are both a) preliminary held prepositioned in place to each other and b) still adjustable while preliminary held in their positions to each other prior to their final fixation step and wherein the prepositioning step and the final fixation step are both in the straight forward “plug-in” assembly direction that is in parallel with the mounting movement Ml. References

[0054] 1 Wheel brake unit composition (WBUC)

[0055] 2 Actuator component

[0056] 3 Bracket component

[0057] 4 Brake support component

[0058] 5 first surface

[0059] 6 second surface

[0060] 7; 7.1, 7.2 orifice

[0061] 8 (actuator) drive element

[0062] 9 tube section

[0063] 10 plain abutment

[0064] 11 interface means (female)

[0065] 12; 12.1, 12.2 interface means (male)

[0066] 13 hook

[0067] 14 hook seat

[0068] 15 pin

[0069] 16 lock

[0070] 17 tube

[0071] 18, 18', 18" releasable fastening element (screw)

[0072] 19, 19' oblong slot (for screw mounting with bracket component 3)

[0073] 20 thread hole (for screw mounting with braked component 3)

[0074] Ax Axial direction (wheel rotation axis or equivalent / parallel therewith)

[0075] FMGU electric brake actuator force

[0076] FR abutment Reaction force (counterforce) g Gravity

[0077] Ml translational mounting movement

[0078] M2 translational mounting movement

[0079] M3 rotational mounting movement

[0080] M4; M4.1, M4.2 translational mounting movement r Roller (chain)

[0081] R Radial direction (orthogonal concerning Ax)

[0082] T Tangential direction (orthogonal concerning Ax) TL Transfer line

[0083] WP Work piece

[0084] WPC Work piece carrier

[0085] WZ Working zone

Claims

Patent claims1. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1), especiallyin configuration of electric drum brake, comprising one or more interconnections of at least an electric wheel brake actuator component (2) serving for brake apply or release function, comprising a bracket component (3) that is allocated in intermediate and serving for positioning function, serving for holding function as well as for indirect abutment function with flow of force FMGU, FR in cooperation with the mounted electric wheel brake actuator component (2), and comprising a brake support component (4) with two opposed surfaces (5,6) characterized in that, the bracket component (3) comprises male interface means (12; 12.1,12.2), that is received under axial straight-forward plug-in movement cooperation (M4; M4.1, M4.2) in the brake support component (4), or vice versa.

2. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, components are prepositioned and interconnected to each other in correct position and with this automatically locked with cooperating means, especially by their interface means, the components provided with additive safety bonus against unintentional removal or displacement.

3. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the components (3,4) comprise holding means that automatically protect interconnection against unintentional removal or displacement.

4. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, holding means involve press fit means that lock with the straight-forward plug-in movement cooperation (M4, M4.1, M4.2).

5. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, holding means involve clamp means and may especially involve snap-lock means.

6. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to claim 1 - 5, characterized in that, holding means combine components natural weight under gravity with form locking interconnection.

7. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to on one or more of claims 3 - 6, characterized by selective combination of multiple holding means.

8. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that, components (2,3,4) integrate the holding means.

9. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that, the interface means (11, 12; 12.1 , 12.2) integrate the holding means.

10. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 9, characterized in that, holding means comprise elastically deformable spring means that is preferably in plastic and / or in elastomere integrated with the actuator component (2) and / or integrated with the bracket component (3).

11. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that, brake support component (4) serves as basis of the wheel brake unit composition (1) with the wheel brake actuator component (2) essentially situated in front of first surface (5) and with friction brake pads for friction brake cooperation with a wheel brake rotor essentially situated in front of second surface (6).

12. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 11, characterized in that, the brake support component (4) comprises an orifice (7) with passage of an electric actuator drive element (8), the said electric actuator drive element (8) is at least sectionally surrounded by the bracket component (3), that sectional surrounding is preferably arranged in male protrusion formed as tube-section (9) of the bracket component (3), wherein the bracket component (3) is placed intermediate between brake actuator component (2) and the brake support component (4), wherein the sectional surrounding, preferably the male tube-section (9), is centered and received for its centralized bearing with abutment in axial Ax direction, Radial R direction and Tangential T direction under actuator flow of force FMGU, and / or flow of reaction force FR respectively, in the orifice (7) essentially on the first surface (5) of the brake support component (4).

13. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 12, characterized in that, each counterpart interface means (11) is designed flat and in female, preferably designed as a plain axial throughole orifice with window shape, that is integrated in the brake support component (4).

14. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 13, characterized in that, interface means (11,12) are with form locking cooperation and an- tirotational so that relative torsion between the cooperating components (2,3,4) is prevented.

15. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 14, characterized in that, components (2,3,4) preferably the interface means (11,12) involve guidance means as a mating aid for automatic assistance with pairing and assembly, wherein guidance means essentially comprise one or multiple surfaces that are arranged inclined in specific angle a (regarded in relation to Radial R, and / or Tangential T and / or Axial Ax direction) concerning the axial straight-forward plug-in mounting direction.

16. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 15, characterized in that, female counterpart interface means (11) is indirectly integrated in the brake support component (4), for example by the integration of counterpart interface means (11) in extra separate component that is received in the brake support component (4).

17. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 16, characterized in that, the male interface means (12) shares part of sectional surrounding concerning an actuator drive element (8) of the electric actuator component (2), and may more preferably form part of a tube section (9) of the bracket component.

18. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 17, characterized in that, multiple distanced interface means (11,12) apply in the plug in mounting direction M 1, that is preferably in parallel with axial Axis Ax, so that when all multiple distanced interface means mate and cooperate between all components (2,3,4) their additive form locking effect secures between components (3,4) in relation to the other directions Radial direction R, Tangential direction that are orthogonal concerning the plug in mounting direction / axial Axis Ax.

119. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 18, characterized by one or more unified and predefined interface codification for hardware handshake in cooperation between all applicable and compatible components (2,3,4), wherein the code is preferably integrated in components (2,3,4) interface means (11,12), the said code serving for automatic hardware error protection in connection with false assembly or wrong service so that fraud or failure under the pairing of the incompatible components is automatically prevented by the code.

20. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 19, characterized in that, a male protrusion of the bracket component (3) carries male interface means (12).

21. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that, the protrusion of the bracket component (3) comprises a tip that penetrates in direction M 4 through the orifice (7) in the brake support component (4).

22. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 20 - 21, characterized in that, the the tip is a graded tip wherein the first surface (5) of brake support component (4) comprises the orifice, preferably a graded and / or framed orifice, for reception of the graded tip protusion sectionally on the first surface (5) of the brake support component (4) and with a front of the graded tip penetrating through the orifice and ending in the region of the second surface (6) of the brake support component (4).

23. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 22, characterized in that, the orifice (7) comprises window shape that can more specifically be of any window shape but preferably configured in the arched window shape, wherein in still more detail the roman arched window shape is more preferred than the also possible gothic arched window shape but with still more detailed preference for the roman arched window shape that may comprise an arc bow section that can integrate a circular arc segment with a single predefined circular radius and wherein the arch connects the two opposed parallel window silts.

24. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 23, characterized in that, the brake support component (4) has essentially a just and thin sliced body that is cut out from flat steel metal sheet material with major regions around first and second surfaces and / or around the orifice also just and flat so that orifice (7) and surfaces (5,6) essentially curse with essentially identical level to each other (“zueinander fluchten”).

25. Electric wheel brake unit composition (1) according to one or more of claims 1 - 24, characterized in that, components comprising one or more sealing means in direct or indirect neighbourhood of, or in direct or indirect cooperation with, interfaces and / or the orifice (7) that are essentially serving for protection against unwanted ingress of foreign matter e.g. for moisture ingress protection and / or for dirt ingress protection as for sealing the interior of the electric actuator component (2) that is allocated on the first second surface (5) but also for sealing the drum brake interior which is allocated next to the second surface (6) of brake support component (4).

26. Industrial transfer line TL assembly process comprising multiple process steps for electric wheel brake unit (1) composition especially according to one or more of previous claims 1 - 20, with a bracket component (3) that is joint with a wheel brake support component (4) and vice versa using a stepwise industrial production transfer line TL comprising a work piece carrier WPC for carrying the work piece in directed one-way transfer with a transfer drive comprising a chain of multiple rotating rollers r in chain that convey a work piece carrier WPC stepwise from assembly station to following assembly station for performing different assembly steps within a three-dimensional working zone WZ wherein the support component (4) is held with its axial axis Ax parallel with gravity g, its second surface (6) downwards in direction of gravity g on a work piece carrier WPC so that its first surface (5) is arranged upwards, feeding the bracket component (3) with translational mounting movement Ml in parallel with the axial Axis Ax and following gravity g in the working zone WZ towards the brake support component (4), wherein both components (3,4) comprise interface means (11,12) as for reference and coordinated matching with joint cooperation together thereby providing a prepositioning step between the both mated components (3,4) within the working zone WZ so that these components are both a) preliminary held prepositioned in place to each other and b) still adjustable while preliminary held in their positions to each other prior to their final fixation step and wherein the prepositioning step and the finalfixation step are both in the straight forward “plug-in” assembly direction that is in parallel with the mounting movement Ml .

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